SMARTRAC Launches Research Project On Biodegradable Production Materials

SMARTRAC N.V., a leading manufacturer and supplier of RFID transponders, recently announced that it has launched a research project on biodegradable production materials.

As RFID components are increasingly becoming part of everyday life, the environmental sustainability of the products and materials used in their production is an issue of growing significance. For this reason, SMARTRAC has launched a research project to identify and implement production materials that are suitable for reliable high quality products yet are environmentally friendly at the same time.

"As a leading RFID transponder manufacturer with the largest single production capacity in the industry we feel that it is our duty to also take a leading role with regard to the implementation of biodegradable production materials", says Manfred Rietzler, Chief Technology Officer at SMARTRAC.

The research project will be conducted by the SMARTRAC Research & Development department together with several technology institutes in Bangkok, Thailand. In addition, SMARTRAC is in intensive dialogue with substrate manufacturers and leading chemical companies.

RFID transponders today are typically made of thin polymer substrates such as PVC or PET films, a metal antenna and a microchip. In addition, adhesive materials are used to join the different layers together. These materials are similar to those used in standard consumer product packaging.

As huge growth is forecast in future demand for RFID transponders, especially in consumer applications, SMARTRAC is taking early action to further optimize the transponder materials with regards to environmentally friendly disposal. The outcome of the research project will be a range of new transponder substrate and encapsulation materials for a wide range of applications which will be used as a base for a "Green RFID Transponder" line.

About SMARTRAC N.V.
SMARTRAC is a leading manufacturer and supplier of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) components for a broad bandwidth of applications in all current frequency standards. The company produces ready-made as well as customized transponders for public transport, access control, animal identification, industry and logistics.

SMARTRAC is the global leader in high-quality RFID inlays for passports with integrated, contactless chips (ePassports), contactless credit cards (ePayment) as well as for RFID transponders for public transportation applications and car immobilizers. SMARTRAC was founded in 2000 and since going public in July 2006 has been trading as a stock corporation under Dutch law with its registered headquarters in Amsterdam. The company currently employs some 2,600 employees and maintains a global research and development, production and sales network.

SOURCE: SMARTRAC N.V.